Normally shy and nocturnal, coyotes seem to be losing their natural fear of people, as more reports from across North America emerge of aggressive animal behaviour.

Nova Scotia's coyote awareness programme uses education and warning signs to prevent attacks, but a controversial hunting scheme, in which fur-trappers who normally spend their time snaring foxes and bobcats also set traps for coyotes, has also played a role.

But the government-sponsored programme has provoked opposition from animal welfare campaigners, including the mother of Taylor Mitchell, a 19-year-old singer who was mauled to death by coyotes in the province two-and-a-half years ago.

Al Jazeera's Daniel Lak reports from Nova Scotia.